Development and validation of a nomogram based on tumor margin irregularity and alpha-fetoprotein for predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma - Report - MDSpire

Development and validation of a nomogram based on tumor margin irregularity and alpha-fetoprotein for predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

  • By

  • Xiang Huang

  • Xiaofeng Chen

  • Xiangguang Chen

  • Ruibin Huang

  • Zhuozhi Dai

  • Ruyao Zhuang

  • Zhiqi Yang

  • June 26, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Nomogram for Predicting Microvascular Invasion in HCC

Overview

A preoperative nomogram utilizing tumor margin irregularity and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels was developed and validated for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The model demonstrated discrimination in both training and validation cohorts.

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a significant histopathological marker associated with aggressive HCC behavior and poor prognosis. Identifying patients at risk for MVI preoperatively can enhance surgical planning and postoperative management.

Data Highlights

CohortMVI PresentTotal Patients
Training187487
Validation95256

Key Findings

  • MVI was present in 187 of 487 patients in the training cohort.
  • MVI was present in 95 of 256 patients in the validation cohort.
  • Irregular tumor margins and AFP positivity were identified as independent predictors of MVI.
  • The final nomogram achieved AUCs of 0.740 and 0.781 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, as reported in the study.
  • Calibration of the model was acceptable.

Clinical Implications

Further prospective validation is necessary to confirm the findings of this study.

Conclusion

The developed nomogram based on tumor margin irregularity and AFP levels provides a tool for predicting MVI in HCC.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2024 -- Evaluating the Prognostic Value of Alpha-fetoprotein and Tumor Shape Irregularity in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Constructing and validating a prognostic prediction nomogram model for hepatocellular carcinoma patients following high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment
  3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Novel models for predicting individualized outcomes in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving immunotherapy
  4. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, 2025
  5. AASLD Practice Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma - PMC
  6. European Radiology — Analysis of 3D Fractal Dimensions in CT Imaging for Predicting Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
  7. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
  8. Preoperative Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Chinese Retrospective Multicenter Study Based on Global Meta‐Analysis
  9. AASLD Practice Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma - PMC
  10. Assessing MRI-based Artificial Intelligence Models for Preoperative Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  11. Diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT radiomics in predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma compared to conventional metabolic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Related Content